Bestine Availability

[BCR751]

I just went online to my normal store for ordering Bestine and found that it is no longer available.  In checking around the web, I see that it isn't available anywhere anymore.  Some have current stocks but when they're gone, that's it, apparently.  So, the age-old question, that I have yet to find a definitive answer to by the way, what can we use in place of Bestine?

Doug

[Chris333]

Just search for rubber cement thinner. Bestine was a brand name.

[C855B]

EDIT: Updated information below.

Not good news. I just checked the professional artist website we've relied on for years, and they also list it as "unavailable".

It is possible that hazardous substance shipping regulations caught up with it, as heptane is explosive, this combined with the free-for-all that is internet store shipping, where you might no longer be able to get guaranteed surface shipment from the majors. It also might still be available from B&M locations that have it shipped by truck. Before we give up on it completely, we have a road trip planned in the next few weeks that includes a trip to Dick Blick's central warehouse in Galesburg. We'll get the straight poop from their offices.

[Chris333]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/n-Heptane-500Ml-Poly-Bottle-ACS-REAGENT-/122132173075?hash=item1c6fa51113:g:NbsAAOSwaB5Xmie7

[Xmtrman]

Also available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/N-heptane-High-Purity-1000ml-32oz/dp/B009S0AH0G/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X8BGV330DYEJE8PQ42KC

[C855B]

OK... I have the answer already. Union Rubber, Inc., the company that makes Best-Test Rubber Cement and its solvent, Bestine, is currently not in business: http://www.realbesttest.com/ . According to their site, they are apparently in negotiations to resume operations.

The Amazon and eBay sources for heptane are apparently going to be it for the foreseeable.

[Snark45]

http://www.allartsupplies.com/item.php?articleId=1964

I believe these guys still have stock. Hope so  --  I just ordered some...

Harry

*****************10/25/2016 followup  --  item is no longer available.   HHW*****************

[wcfn100]

Bestine isn't the end all be all.  I haven't used it in a long time.  A forum or web search will give alternatives.

Jason

[C855B]

Yeah, but it was an easy find (and easy to recommend) when B&M stores like Michael's carried it. Asking for "heptane" at the hardware store or, heaven forbid, a big-box DIY will get quizzed looks. Online solves the immediate problem.

Speaking of alternatives, do you know of a better solvent for cleaning FUD/FXD? I know some guys use Goo Gone, but with brush scrubbing. Sorta hard on fine details.

[wcfn100]

I use Bleche-Wite tire cleaner.

Jason

[C855B]

I'll check it out. Thanks.

[peteski]

Yeah, but it was an easy find (and easy to recommend) when B&M stores like Michael's carried it. Asking for "heptane" at the hardware store or, heaven forbid, a big-box DIY will get quizzed looks. Online solves the immediate problem.

Speaking of alternatives, do you know of a better solvent for cleaning FUD/FXD? I know some guys use Goo Gone, but with brush scrubbing. Sorta hard on fine details.

VM&P Naphtha (or Ronsolol Lighter Fluid). I mention this every time FUD and Bestine subject comes up. 

[nkalanaga]

And naphtha is available at almost any store that sells oil-based house paints, probably cheaper than the Bestine.

[Xmtrman]

Also available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/N-heptane-High-Purity-1000ml-32oz/dp/B009S0AH0G/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X8BGV330DYEJE8PQ42KC

I bought my supply from these guys on Amazon about a month ago with good service.

This is also reagent grade which means it won't have any unexpected ingredients that could dissolve the prints.

[BCR751]

I bought my supply from these guys on Amazon about a month ago with good service.





This is also reagent grade which means it won't have any unexpected ingredients that could dissolve the prints.

Nope, hosed again.  I'm in Canada and can't use the US site.  Checking the same company and quantity on the Canadian Amazon site the price has gone up from about  $30 CDN to over $150 CDN!!!

Peteski- what does the VM&P stand for ?

Doug